Name: Keisha Muir
Age:28
Place of birth: United Kingdom
Current residence: London, Chelsea

My father was born in Jamaica and my mother who is of Jamaican Scottish heritage was born in the UK. Growing up with this fusion of cultures was very normal for me, but people would often comment on how my accent would switch from an urban London dialect to a strong Jamaican twang. An interesting fact about my upbringing is that my mother is Catholic and my father is a Rasta. The cocktail of beliefs often lead to colourful debates in our house.

I’m the founder of Pixies and Pirates – an online children’s boutique. I set it up after realising I had a knack for organising children’s parties and sourcing unique gifts for family and friends. Back in 2005 while studying Journalism, I had a Sunday job working in a children’s boutique. I developed a love for children’s brands and my daughter who was five at the time became my muse. I would seek out new labels and customise her clothes and toys.

I began the Pixies and Pirates blog in 2010 and then went on to set up the website. I have developed my five year plan because I aim to make this business a success. I am at the beginning of my exciting journey and I look forward to what the future holds.

My main challenge as a business woman was to get people to believe in me. It was easier for people to dismiss my ideas or call my business venture a phase. I overcame this by surrounding myself with positive people and staying focused on my goals. I made a list of the things that I wanted to achieve and stuck them on my fridge. Every morning I would read over them and work towards completing them. It might sound cheesy, but it really does work.

I had my first child when I was 17 and my second at 25. So I have always had to juggle work and raising my children. I stay up late and send e-mails at unsociable hours, but I do what I have to do.  Having my children made me work even harder. I am always conscience that I am their role model as-well as their mother.

I am not faithful to any one style or trend. Although I do tell myself I should always look like a yummy mummy (think post pregnancy Beyonce). I am curvy and proud and often wear figure hugging outfits. I love big earrings, chunky bracelets and wedges for comfort and I shop anywhere from Primark to Vivienne Westwood. For me, style is a reflection of your personality. I am down to earth, but I like to have fun and that’s what my style reflects.

Being a woman in our times is empowering because there is no limit to what we can do. There are so many positive influences around the world. But being a woman and a mother is a movement. From the moment you hold that title you simply feel honoured! I am Complexd because I am fierce and Fearless and I see no limits.

Photography by Swan Vacula

Name: Julia Gabrielov
Age: 25
Place of birth: Kharkov, Ukraine
Current Residence: Norfolk, VA

I was born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My parents and grandparents left Ukraine when I was two years old. We didn’t own much; they carried one suitcase and me. Now I have a younger sister and we are a very small and close family. Russian is still our first language.

I am an artist and my work includes illustration and mural painting. There are too many things that I want to accomplish in life so I’ve never put a cap on my creativity.

I also model and design clothing.  I just love beauty and I love creating beautiful things.

Nuvoria Photography

Photography by Swan Vacula

My style is ultra feminine! I’m always wearing a dress with a pair of heels. The clothing I wear and the clothing I design are inspired by the simple sophistication of Chanel, Dianne Von Furstenburg and Calvin Klein.

Nuvoria Photography

I love everything that comes with being a woman – sex appeal, elegance, emotion and power.

I am complexd because I believe I am capable of doing more than one thing so I do everything.